Commerce ministry intervenes as farm gate egg prices rise

The Department of Internal Trade (DIT) under Thailand's Ministry of Commerce has rolled out measures to alleviate the burden on consumers of a 20-satang price increase on mixed ex-farm eggs announced by layer farm cooperative networks.

DIT Director General Wittayakorn Maneenetr revealed that the department has prepared measures to offer citizens the option to purchase discounted eggs under the government's ‘Thai Chuay Thai’ (Thais Help Thais).

The department has worked with provincial commerce offices nationwide to establish sales points, which will be operating from the 13 to 31 August.

Under the initiative, discounted eggs will be distributed across all 76 provinces via provincial commerce networks, while people in Bangkok can purchase them at Blue Flag (Thong Fah) community events.

The eggs will be sold at roughly 10% below market prices, with a target distribution of 3.42 million eggs nationwide, alongside other discounted essential items, such as rice and cooking oil.

Addressing current market conditions, Wittayakorn explained that the price rise stems from a slight drop in production.

Daily output for August is estimated at 43.35 million eggs from approximately 53.85 million laying hens, representing a 3% decrease from standard levels and a tightening of overall supply.

The department is working alongside the Department of Livestock Development to explore ways to boost egg supplies, while actively monitoring production and distribution channels to ensure retail prices remain aligned with actual production costs.

Consumers facing unfairly inflated prices are encouraged to report the vendors via the department's 1569 hotline. Violators face prosecution under Section 29 of the Prices of Goods and Services Act B.E. 2542 (1999), carrying penalties of up to seven years in prison, a fine of up to 140,000 baht or both on conviction.